Queenstown

From North Cape to southern Stewart Island, each Kiwi community has its own unique local way of celebrating New Zealand’s national day - Waitangi Day - on 6 February.

Hot on the heels of Rugby World Cup, and a bag full of international tourism accolades from 2011, New Zealand is set to stay in the international spotlight for 2012.

Summer is the season for outdoor food and wine events in New Zealand, and this year a worldwide movement embracing this - The Summer of Riesling is set to captivate the country.

New Zealand’s luxury lodges are basking in a series of international accolades – lining up with the world’s best to demonstrate how the local luxury accommodation sector continues to punch above its weight.

Kiwi adventurer Erik Bradshaw has made New Zealand alpine history as the first person to ski the length of the Southern Alps.

International travel authority 'Lonely Planet' has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region as one of the world’s ‘Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012’.

Auckland’s streets are teaming with Gallic and Kiwi pride in anticipation of the Rugby World Cup final as the two rugby hemispheres unite in a weekend to remember.

Queenstown – New Zealand’s adventure capital – is giving mountain biking enthusiasts new thrills with a spectacular gondola ride to the top of the trails and a new bike park.

Winning or losing aside ... off the field and away from the pressures, New Zealand’s great outdoors has provided some amazing experiences for Rugby World Cup players between matches.

From New Zealand’s deep south to the far north, the inaugural Tour of New Zealand – scheduled for 14 to 21 April 2012 – is destined to put a new spin on cycling New Zealand.